Abusive bike rider swore at cops over helmet and footpath brain fade appears in court
A man riding weaving around shoppers on a busy Glen Huntly footpath with no helmet on has launched a withering spray at cops offering safety advice, telling them to “f*** off”. Here’s what happened when he faced court.
Inner South
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A self-confessed “pig-headed” pushbike rider who told cops to “f*** off” after cycling without a helmet along a busy footpath has had his day in court.
Michael Georgiou was angry when police officers cautioned him for riding down the path and weaving in and out of startled shoppers without a stack hat on.
They told him he should have been wearing a helmet to protect his brain in the event of a crash and that, as an adult, he was not allowed to cycle on the footpath if not accompanying a minor.
But instead of taking their safety-related advice on board he rode off, shouting a profanity at police as he went.
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He was caught by chasing officers and issued with fines, but refused to pay.
Georgiou pleaded guilty to two cycling-related charges at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court last week.
The court heard police were in a car parked up on Glen Huntly Rd, Glen Huntly on June 10 this year when Georgiou raced past them on his pushbike.
He was issued with a fine of $201 for not wearing a helmet and $161 for riding on the footpath.
He was not charged with any offence related to his swearing outburst.
In court Georgiou represented himself, saying he couldn’t afford the fines as he was presently an unemployed builder’s labourer living in a boarding house in South Yarra.
But he admitted he should have behaved better and was sorry for his actions.
“I was being a bit pig-headed at the time,” Georgiou said.
“I don’t have the bike now, I get public transport now.”
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Magistrate Anne Goldsbrough said Georgiou’s attitude that day was poor.
“Yes, you were (being pig-headed), and if you had heeded the police warning and got off the bike, you likely wouldn’t be in court today,” Ms Goldsbrough said.
“And you should always wear a helmet when riding a bike for your own safety.”
Georgiou was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond and ordered to pay $100 to the court fund. No conviction was recorded.